One season removed from first round victories in the 2002 NCAA Tournament, Southern Illinois and Creighton once again dominated the MVC landscape, earning dance cards for the second straight season. Unfortunately, those cards warranted only one spin for both the Salukis and Bluejays, as Southern Illinois and Creighton each fell in their opening round games.

Still, their combined success (53-12 in 2002-03) brought some much needed respect and publicity to the often overlooked Missouri Valley Conference, finally putting “The Valley” on the college basketball map.

Along with Southern Illinois and Creighton, both Wichita State and Southwest Missouri State enjoyed solid seasons. And the Evansville Aces – a school that many predicted to end up dead last in the conference – surprised the rest of the pack by finishing in the top half of the MVC standings.

The teams of the Missouri Valley Conference collectively engaged in another standout season, which should spell trouble for other leagues in the future. Here’s a quick look back at The Valley’s 2002-03 year, with post-season results, conference awards and team capsules:

Korver, an All-American selection, ranked second in the conference in scoring (17.9 ppg), and led The Valley in three-pointers per game (3.83) and free throw percentage (.897). The 6-7 forward guided Creighton to an impressive 29-win season as well as a sixth seed in the NCAA Tournament.

MVC Freshman of the Year

David Moss, Indiana State

In his first year of collegiate ball, Moss led the Sycamores in minutes (32.4 mpg), points (13.2 ppg) and free throw percentage (.806).

MVC Newcomer of the Year

Aaron Hogg, Wichita State

Hogg, a junior guard from Indianapolis, connected on over 46% of his three-point attempts, and earned the conference’s “Sixth Man” award.

MVC Defensive Player of the Year

Jamar Howard, Wichita State

Howard, a 6-5 forward, registered solid numbers in rebounds (5.8), steals (1.4) and blocks (0.4) per game, helping the Shockers to a third place finish in the MVC.

MVC Coach of the Year

Steve Merfeld, Evansville

In Merfeld’s first year as coach at Evansville, the Aces doubled their conference win total of a year ago, finishing much higher than expected in Valley play.

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College Basketball Tonight

We hope you enjoyed COLLEGE BASKETBALL TONIGHT during the 2016 NCAA Tournament. COLLEGE BASKETBALL TONIGHT is a comprehensive look at the NCAA Tournament hosted by veteran college basketball broadcaster Ted Sarandis, along with co-hosts Mike Jarvis and Terry O'Connor, both former Division I coaches. It also included many great guests, including Hoopville's own Phil Kasiecki.

The show aired on AM 710 WOR in New York City on Sunday evenings starting with Selection Sunday and running through the NCAA Tournament.

"In reading this book, I can see that Mike hasn't lost his edge or his purpose. Readers should take a look at what he has to say."-Jim Calhoun, Three-time NCAA champion, UConn Men's basketball

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